Overview

• RAC data show pothole-related call-outs were 9% higher in April to June 2025 than a year earlier.
• The increase is attributed to a colder first quarter that accelerated freeze–thaw damage to road surfaces.
• Government local roads funding in England is nearly £1.6 billion this year, a £500 million uplift estimated to fix around seven million potholes.
• RAC’s Simon Williams says it is too early to see benefits from the uplift as councils work through the April–September surface dressing season.
• The Department for Transport has tied funds to demonstrable progress with the risk of losing a portion of this year’s boost, while the LGA urges longer-term funding certainty for preventative repairs.